The Boyertown Bears American Legion Baseball Program is saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Richard “Dick” Ludy, on September 26th. We send our condolences to his wife Faye, his sons Brian, Chris, and Jason, their spouses, and his 4 grandchildren.
Mr. Ludy was a veteran of the US Army and went on to graduate from West Chester State University, and earned a Master’s in Education from Temple University. He taught in the Boyertown School District for 23 years.
Coach Ludy was a three-sport athlete in High School, but his favorite sport was baseball. He had a passion for the playing of the game, the execution of the game, and most of all the teaching of the game.
As coach, he succeeded two Bears legends- Buck Rhoads and Pidgie Kepner. Coach Ludy was with the Legion Bears from 1971-1985 compiling a (630-112) mark overall, and a (313-29) record in the Berks County American Legion Baseball League. He led the Bears to 14 Berks County League Titles, 12 State Regional Titles, Nine State Titles, Four Mid-Atlantic Regional Titles, and 4 American Legion World Series: 1977, finishing as runner-up in 1980 and 1983, and winning the 1982 World Series right here at the brand-new Bear Stadium.
On the high school side, he replaced the legendary Warren Fry, coaching from 1974-1985 and compiling a 248-12 record. Winning 8 Ches-Mont Championships, 3 District One Titles and the 1981 PIAA State Championship.
Coach Ludy would be the first one to tell you that while he had the privilege to coach baseball and be part of the baseball program here in Boyertown, he could never have done it without support. The support of his assistant coaches, and the drive of the Boyertown American Legion Baseball Committee- notably the “Big Three”- Bud Garber, Ken Ellis, and Donald Specht- but there are many, many, others who played a part- no matter how big or small of a part they played, he never forgot who they were.
A way to sum up Coach Ludy’s mark on our program was teaching young men how to play baseball the right way, and passing on his passion for the game to those gentlemen, so they can pass it on to the next generation. His Legacy will last a lifetime because the children of those whose lives he impacted will pass it down for generations to come.
Pictured here with Mr. Ludy are Ribbie Houck and Keith Endy.
You can read more about Dick Ludy's legacy in this article in the Pottstown Mercury.